European Pochard

a.k.a. Pochard, Common Pochard, Eurasian Pochard

Aythya ferina

A Pochard drake in eclipse plumage
Photo courtesy of David Townsend

These birds are found in lowland freshwater habitats across Europe and most of Asia. It is a social species and is found in both large and small groups. They usually nest on the ground along the shore and sometimes the male will stay and help raise the brood.

The female lays 6-10 dull greenish eggs which are incubated for 25 days. The hatchlings are highly insectivorous in the first few weeks. They can fly by two months.